A bill making its way through the House of Delegates would require Virginia Attorneys General to defend state laws and constitutional amendments in appeals courts — even if they disagree with them. More from WLNI’s Evan Jones.

The Virginia Senate has passed a proposed constitutional amendment designed to increase the number of charter schools in the state. Right now, only public school systems in Virginia can create charter schools — privately-operated schools that receive public education funds. The proposed change to the constitution would give that authority instead to the state Board of Education. WLNI’s Evan Jones has the story.

43 years after Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment, Virginia is one of the states where supporters still hope for adoption that will lead to eventual ratification. Senators voted in favor yesterday, although approval there is not yet final. WLNI’s Evan Jones reports on the debate.

The four-month decline in gas prices now appears to be over. Prices are likely to steadily rise now into spring, but analysts still expect the year-to-year difference to remain dramatic, remaining $1.00 or more lower per gallon than a year ago. WLNI’s Evan Jones has the story.

State Senator Bill Stanley is hoping for General Assembly passage of a bill that he says would prepare more high school students for good-paying, in-demand jobs simply by filling some empty seats. Stanley’s bill would require community colleges providing vocational and trade courses to notify high schools in regions they serve when those courses are not full — and offer those open spots to interested high school students. WLNI’s Evan Jones has the story.

Virginia state employees may see at least a small pay raise under a new proposal by House Republicans. The state workers, including police and teachers, would receive pay raises between and one and two per cent. It’s the result of higher-than-anticipated payroll tax collections since July. WLNI’s Evan Jones has the story.

A George Mason University School of Law assistant dean says an appeals court decision to hear former Governor McDonnell’s appeal may have impacts far beyond Virginia — and the judges may be telling McDonnell “we think you might have gotten hosed.” A Richmond-based federal appeals court ruled yesterday McDonnell may remain free while he appeals his corruption convictions, saying the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact that could warrant a reversal or a new trial. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

The Transportation Security Administration says its screeners discovered 45 firearms in carry-on bags at Virginia airports last year — up more than 50% from the year before. Three of them were discovered by screeners at Lynchburg’s airport and one at Roanoke-Blacksburg. WLNI’s Evan Jones has the story.

Nelson County prosecutors say there is no DNA link between Jesse Matthew and the disappearance of Alexis Murphy. The attorney for Murphy’s convicted killer, Randy Taylor, had speculated that Matthew may be connected to the Murphy case, but officials say Matthew’s DNA does not match any found in Alexis Murphy’s car. Matthew is charged with abducting Hannah Graham in Charlottesville.

Many school districts in the region are sending students home early today, with rain, snow and sleet all in the afternoon forecast. Counties north and west of Lynchburg are under a winter weather advisory that goes into effect at 2:00 pm.